FLYING TAXIS


GIANT ELECTRIC AIR TAXI SEEN AT MEDIACITY COULD BE FUTURE OF URBAN TRAVEL IN THE UK


Visitors to Salford Quays recently had the chance


to inspect a


helicopter-sized electric air taxi displayed at the MediaCity Piazza as part of a UK tour by Joby Aviation and Virgin Atlantic. Designed to cut through traffic and avoid train delays, the futuristic aircraft aims to let passengers whizz between cities at speeds of up to 200mph. Following appearances at London’s Tower Bridge and the Farnborough Air Show, the craft has drawn curious crowds wanting to look inside. The all-electric aircraft takes off like a helicopter and flies like a plane, powered by four cross-wired batteries and six propellers equipped with dual motors for high safety standards.


Max Coppin, the UK lead for Joby, explained the vision to


the


Manchester Evening News, stating: “We’re hoping to bring aerial ride sharing to the UK and to Manchester and the Northwest. It will be bookable through an app, ultimately in the same way that you can book a ride sharing today.” Carrying a pilot and four passengers with light luggage, the quiet craft - operating at around 45


decibels - could trim a 45-minute drive from central Manchester to the airport down to c. five minutes. While Joby has already completed thousands of test miles and demonstration flights in the United States, commercial rollout depends on approval from the US Federal Aviation Administration and subsequent validation by the UK Civil Aviation Authority. Operating via designated verti- ports where batteries can be charged in 20 minutes, the service plans to launch in key locations such as London and Manchester. Through a partnership with Uber, passengers will be able to book combined car and air taxi journeys on their phones, with fares projected at the Uber Exec range.


BRISTOL FLYING TAXI PIONEER SECURES $100M TO FUEL UK MANUFACTURING PLANS


Bristol-based aviation firm Vertical Aerospace is raising $100m in fresh equity to accelerate its commercial electric flying taxi plans and create 1,000 new jobs in Britain. The funding package is being secured primarily from major current shareholders Mudrick Capital Management and Yorkville Advisors, alongside $35m from existing institutional backers. The capital will help the company review designs, open a new battery energy centre, and prepare its third prototype for hybrid-electric flight testing by early 2027. Vertical Aerospace chief executive Stuart Simpson said: “We are focused on converting operational progress


36


and partner engagement into continued advancement of our certification and commercial- isation strategy.” He added that the funding demonstrates strong confidence in the firm’s market position and progress. Founded a decade ago by Ovo Energy creator Stephen Fitz- patrick, the business is developing an all-electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft designed to serve as a commercial flying taxi. The company’s six-seater flying taxis, branded Valo, have


generated


international interest, securing orders from customers such as JetSetGo in India and Heli Air Monaco.


Following recent milestones, including a historic public transition flight and demos at the Farnborough Air Show, the business anticipates receiving full aircraft certification in 2029, with deliveries to airline customers following thereafter. Vertical is currently in advanced discussions with the UK government for a grant worth up to £10m to support a new factory near Kemble in Gloucestershire, adding close to £50m in prior public funding. In addition, the business has received confirmed interest from the Ministry of Defence for its hybrid-electric and autonomous technology.


SEPTEMBER 2026 PHTM


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